YAKIMA, WA—(club release) Yakima United is pleased to announce that Sozo Sports of Central Washington will be the official home facility for it’s Men’s and Women’s teams beginning in 2017. Starting with this upcoming season all YUFC home games will be played at the beautiful new facility located just minutes from Yakima’s previous home, Marquette Stadium.

“From a nostalgic point of view leaving Marquette will be bitter sweet, but this was the plan from day one of Yakima United,” Hoppers General Manager and Women’s coach, Josh Vega said “Sozo was our very first partner, they’re our jersey sponsor, and it’s a relationship we value and hope to continue for many many years. On top of all that, they’re offering us a truly exceptional facility to call our home.”

The Yakima Reds of the PDL and United of the EPLWA have called Marquette Stadium home for over two decades. Now the Hoppers are moving to the new SOZO Sports Complex for their 2017 EPLWA and Women’s NWPL seasons.

The new facility, which when completed aims to rival any other in the state, is still in progress. Two artificial surfaces are currently being installed, adding to the two turf fields and multiple natural grass surfaces already in place. One of the two new fields, being completed early this spring, will be the 2017 home of both Yakima United teams.

“We are really excited to have the Yakima United Semi Pro Men & Women’s soccer teams out on SOZO Fields” stated board President Kerry Martin.

The upside of this move for United, seems to extend far beyond just a change in location, “There’s also a bit of, being where the younger soccer players in our area are, playing on the same fields they play on, being more actively visible to them and their families. It’s an opportunity to become more deeply rooted within the community,” added Vega. “Obviously you hope that translates into more attendance, but more importantly being role models for younger players, giving them a place to want to play in the summer when they get a bit older, that’s always been our dream.”

Earlier this week, Yakima United revealed their 2017 schedule, click HERE to view the Men’s Schedule, and HERE to view the Women’s Schedule now including home venue and kick-off times.